Simplify

So I'm pretty sure some of my scrapbook friends think the word simplify should be four letters. In fact, some might stage an intervention for me after they read what I'm about to write. I may seem as crazy as Brittney-- and we all know what's happening to her.

I have this growing need inside me to simplify my scrapbook stash. It actually started in preparation for the girls vaca weekend pictured above. I had some mega anxiety about making sure I didn't forget to pack anything I would need. My scrapbook stuff (which once fit in a rubbermaid I stored under my bed) is not exactly portable. In fact, it has taken on a life of its own. Packing for a crop, I mean really packing not just throwing a bunch of crap together, can sometimes take longer than the time I actually spend cropping.

So when I was packing up my stuff for Galena, I started wishing everything I needed could fit into a rolling tote. I actually gave away my rolling tote a few years ago because I resigned myself to the fact that my stuff would never be mobile. Now that I have so much, I'm dreaming of going back to basics.

I see all the posts of the pretty scrapbook rooms, the "studios" stocked with more product than some scrapbook stores. I used to drool. I used to covet. Somehow in the last couple of weeks my view of all that changed. I look at it and think all that stuff will never get used. It's just not possible.

I think part of this new feeling is based on plans we're considering for the house. As it stands right now, I have a quarter of our lower level. It's all unfinished right now, wired for electricity but lacking drywall, flooring, etc. The more I think about the space that Karl and I share down there (his half has woodworking stuff), the more I want to eventually create an awesome office/photo studio/consulation room. We've already purchased the french doors for that space. I can totally see it.

But if we did that, I'd have to move my scrapbook stuff somewhere else. I don't especially want to clutter the guest room with my stuff. I want to have a guest room that's always ready for company. So really, to fulfill my dream of having a space in our home to meet with clients, I'd need to change the way I look at my scrapbooking stuff.

So that's what I'm thinking about right now. A part of me still wants to have a pretty room. A bright fresh place to go and create. But a larger part of me says I'd do more creating at the dining room table with Karl just a few feet away watching tv. Now I face the challenge of deciding *how* to simplify.

Rhetorical Question

I don't think there's an answer to that question. Lauren is by far too cute for words. This is another picture Karl took yesterday when we went over for lunch. Love that shirt and love her scrunched up face.

Happy to say I was able to snag a couple of add ons for this month's studio calico kit. Not everything I wanted, but enough to keep me quite busy with goodies this month. It's going to be a good couple of weeks for mail. Between the packages I'm waiting for to send off to my Valentine Swap partner, and my studio calico stuff-- yummo!

It's almost enough to make me forget about the scary white death that's headed our way. Freezing rain followed by 7 inches of snow. The kind of day that would be perfect for sleeping under a nice warm blanket. Instead I'll be working and hoping I'll be able to make the trek home safely.

Summing up Sunday

I'm never one to turn down an invitation to Sunday lunch. Especially one that includes the chance to snuggle this cutie.

Nate makes some pretty darn good chili, but it was definitely little Lauren that sealed the deal. Personally, I'd be happy to still be over there. But there's this thing called laundry and somehow it has to get done before we all go back to work tomorrow.

Good thing I know I have an open invitation to make cuddle appointments with Lauren whenever the need arises.

Card Confession

So, I don't really make cards. I am scared of making cards. I worry that people looking at my cards will wonder why I was too cheap to stop by Hallmark. But this weekend on the girls vaca (can't believe it was a week ago!) I decided to give it a go.

These cards are nothing special, but they do have a purpose. I like to leave little notes in Karl's suitcase when he goes out of town, so these will cover me for a while.












I think my favorite part of these cards is the fact that I was able to use up the big stickers that come with the 7gypsies 97% complete sheets. I don't think I've ever used one of those, and boy do I have A LOT of them.

January 21st

In bullet form:

• I heard on the radio that 1/21 is statistically the most depressing day of the year. Something about bad weather, post holiday blahs, Christmas bills due, etc.
• I'd wager a guess that Green Bay is the most depressed city in the U.S. today. Last night's game was sad. I'm not a diehard Packers fan by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a little hard to not get caught up in the hype at least a little. Such a roller coaster ride.
• Perhaps because of those previous two bullets, I've been fiddling with my bliss necklace quite a bit this morning. Trying to remember my promise to myself for 2008. I don't want to be sad just because everyone else is.
• I'm also focussing on the fun I had over the weekend at the big girls vaca. Despite a brush with death on the way (I will see County Road I in my nightmares) and a weekend so cold my snot was freezing in my nose, we had a great weekend. Lots of creativity, lots of good food, and lots of laughing (particularly on the ride home).
• In part because of the previous bullet, I'm feeling more than a little tired today. I had it in my head that I'd be going to the gym after work. Now I'm thinking I might just be going to bed!

Happy Monday everyone. Pictures of the weekend to follow soon!

Tomorrow

So excited!

So ready for girls vaca.

Well, maybe not ready. Since I'm not packed. And I still have to go to the grocery in the morning. And the bank.

Okay, so I'm definitely *not* ready.

But mentally I'm already there!

I'll probably be too busy to write tomorrow, (did I mention the packing and the grocery?) but I'll be back on Monday with pictures!

Bliss in the Mail

I decided back in December that my "word" for 2008 was going to be Bliss. I opt for focussing on one word over making resolutions because I'm more of a big picture kind of girl. Everything is a step towards an ultimate goal. And this year my goal is to have more bliss in my life.

Today I'm happy to say I'm expecting a little piece of bliss in the mail, courtesy of an Etsy designer. I love the idea of wearing this necklace everywhere as a reminder of where I want my head to be this year.

And I'm so excited that I'll be able to wear it on the big girls vaca in just a couple of days! At least I won't have to remember to pack it, since it will already be around my neck!

Happy Wednesday!

Four Day Weekends

Four day weekends are definitely the key to following my bliss. Or perhaps it's setting my own schedule that's bringing me so much bliss these days. Hard to believe I'll be able to set my own schedule daily in just about six weeks. February 28th will be here before I know it!

I'm proud to say I've been super productive the past couple of days. I lost track of how many loads of laundry I've done. My closet is more organized than it has been since before we moved into this house. And the happiest part-- my bathroom is clean clean clean.

Today I've been doing some organization of the scrappy variety. Getting things ready for the big girls vaca coming up on Friday. So excited to hang out with these fabulously creative girls. Excited to eat, drink, and be merry while exploring a new city. This trip is just what I need leading up to February sweeps in the newsroom.

Go Pack Go!

I normally don't care for the NFL. I am a Southern girl, after all. We prefer our football of the SEC variety. But while I still bleed Orange and Blue (GO GATORS) I have to say this Green and Gold thing is contagious.

So yes, I am writing this entry with every television in my house tuned into the Packers game. Must be sure I can see, or at the very least hear, what's going on no matter where I am. It's snowing outside, which I've decided is perfect football watching weather.

It's also perfect weather for scrapbooking, but I'm trying to save myself for tomorrow. Did I mention I have a hot date? I may do some sketching in a bit. Or maybe some online shopping. I do have a super cool Valentine's partner to shop for.

In the meantime-- GO PACK GO!

Gearing up for 12 on the 12th

In an attempt to have a unique documentation of 2008, I'm participating in the 12 on the 12th challenge. Each month, on the 12th, I will take my camera with me on my days adventures, and document the day in 12 images.

So excited that the first 12th falls on a Saturday. And a Saturday where we have exciting things to document.

We're shooting a family session involving two cute little kids.
Walker will have his session with the Bark Busters.
Karl and I will share a nice dinner before he departs for a week on the road in Louisville.

Good stuff.

Then on Sunday I've got a hot date with the fantastic Barb. It involves italian food, and scrapping. It doesn't get any better than that.

Well, it does get better. Multiply Sunday by 6 other people-- and you get Girls Vaca weekend which is just 7 days away.

I told you 2008 would be great :)

Deciding to Try Again

Because that's what life is about, right?

Trying again.

I've not been so good at the blogging in the past. I have good intentions.

Perhaps this year intentions will actually translate into entries.

I have the need to document 2008

Because great things are going to happen this year.

And those great things begin by trying again.